Agenda item

Report attached

The proposal before the Committee detailed the results of a public consultation for the provision of a 7.5 tonne weight limit in Geoffrey Avenue as part of measures to prevent the road being used by commercial vehicles often servicing the Church Road industrial estates. 

The report informed Members that it had been observed that on occasion commercial through-traffic uses the street in both directions. Concerns about larger commercial vehicles using the street had been raised by residents and was highlighted to the Council in the form of 69 signature petition which was considered by the Highways Advisory Committee at its meeting of 11 December 2012.  

A 7 day traffic survey (24 hours a day) was undertaken from Monday 8 July 2013 which recorded that out of 881 vehicles,123 were heavy goods (over 3.5 tonnes) travelling southbound compared to 49 out of 684 travelling northbound for the period.

The results showed that approximately 99% of the HGV’s entering Geoffrey Avenue from the A12 were classified as rigid 2 axle heavy good vehicles and therefore it was difficult to ascertain if these vehicles were above 7.5 tonne gross vehicle weight (GVW) as HGVs are classed as being vehicles over 3.5 tonnes.

Further analysis of the survey indicated that there was 30% more traffic (all vehicles) in general travelling southbound at average speeds 21.6 mph compared with 18.5 mph for northbound traffic.

A proposal to introduce a 7.5 tonne weight limit (with exemption for vehicles serving the street, such as refuse vehicles) was advertised with site notices placed and 68 letters delivered by hand to residents of the street with comments to be received in writing by 8 November 2013. At the close of consultation, 5 responses had been received with 3 from residents, 1 from the police and 1 from a Member of the committee.

The police objected to the proposals as it dealt with one road in isolation which would transfer the problem to parallel streets. The police suggested that the HGV route should be positively signed from the A12.

A resident gave full support to the proposals. One resident stated that the street should be “no entry” from the A12. One resident objected on the basis that the limit would not be enforced and would not deal with non-residential through traffic, especially where the A12 was congested and suggested that traffic be prevented from leaving the A12.

With the agreement of the Committee, the Chairman read a letter of support for the scheme from Councillor Pam Light.

In response to questions from members on the results of the traffic survey officers clarified that themajority of HGVs recorded using Geoffrey Avenue were 2 axle lorries and therefore, it was difficult to establish if these lorries were within the 7.5 tonne limit. Officers clarified that enforcement of the 7.5 tonne limit would lie with the Metropolitan Police as the Council had not taken on powers to enforce moving traffic offences.

During general debate, Members  noted that there had been a previous request for signs on the A12.

A Member noted the response rate from residents and questioned whether the scheme would work. Another Member was of the view that the scheme would simply push traffic into adjacent streets and make no difference. Another Member felt this scheme was needed as the parallel roads of Harold Court Road and Church Road were wider in design and could accommodate HGVs if required.

A Member was of the opinion that 90% of the time, there was no congestion on the A12 and that signs on the A12 directed at HGV’s would be missed. He agreed with the scheme as the road was not suitable for HGVs.

By a majority of 8 votes in favour with 2 abstentions the Committee RESOVLED:

(a)       to recommend to the Cabinet Member for Community Empowerment that the 7.5 weight limit set out in the report be implemented

            That it be noted that the estimated cost of £3,000 would be met by funding from the Council’s 2013/14 revenue budget for traffic signs and bollards.